sal

That must be cool to have Lou Reed as a cousin! I think "Estacy" is some of his best work. Too bad it got so overlooked.

Pardon me if I'm incorrect in saying this, but why hasn't "Search for the New Land" been mentioned? I thought that was one of Lee's more progressive dates.

I'm jealous. He hasn't been to Chicago in a couple of years.

Still no love for this excellent release??

A couple newer ones that I really enjoy: Brian Lynch - "Brian Lynch meets Bill Charlap" Ron Horton - "Subtextures"

Yeah, the Marc Johnson CD didn't have one either. I like them because they keep the jewel case from getting scratched or cracked.

I have a potential business trip scheduled that week! It may fall through though. If I'm in town, I will be there.

One more thing....in relation to my post above. You'll find that most of the negative reviews are coming from folks who were expecting a "war" movie. It is, but it isn't. If you go in there expecting Platoon or Saving Private Ryan, you will be disappointed. If you go in with an open mind, I think you'll be pleasently surprised. It got many positive reviews as well.

It is a very good movie. The drill sargeant portion really only takes up about 5 minutes of the beginning of this 120+ minute film. At the risk of spoiling the movie for folks I don't want to discuss the plots and themes from the movie here quite yet. But I will say this. It is a truely unique entry into the war film genere. There is really no other war movie out there like this one. It hits hard, and will stay with you once you leave the theater. The performances are solid all around, particularly Jamie Foxx, who is turning into a really fine actor. And like the other films in director Sam Mendes' catalogue, the visuals are stunning. Highly recommended. One final note: if you are expecting to see lots of "war" in this movie, look elsewhere. I won't say anything else.

City Lights to me is his all time masterpiece, followed by Modern Times. City Lights is not only one of the funniest movies I've ever seen, but it contains one of the most memorable and touching love stories I've ever seen.

Good one! I love Chaplin. Bought Modern Times a couple months ago.

I'm surprised that nobody has seen "Broken Flowers". Its one of the best American films of the year. Its great how these smart directors (Jarmusch, Sophia Copolla, Wes Anderson) are seeing and extracting greatness from Bill Murray with these excellent roles that he is born to play. Anyways, aside from "Broken Flowers", I've only seen "Ghost Dog" and "Dead Man", and I loved them both. I think that Jarmusch is an acquired taste, but once you get it, you'll be hooked forever.

I like Coldplay.

Dear melted Sal, it's mix and match again! Henry does have a trio CD with David Murray and Hamid Drake on Ayler Records (#ayl028, www.ayler.com, available in stores), and Henry also leads the on-going group Spaceship on the Highway (or Runway when the group goes overseas) with Marshall Allen, Fred Anderson, and Avreeayl Ra. Henry's played with Fred a lot, mostly in Chicago, and has toured and played with Hamid many times, mostly overseas. So we'll see what the future holds! I do think rather wistfully of the old days when a trio would stay together for years and years... quite rare now, especially in "avant-jazz," it seems. ← Have the CD with Murray and Drake, and I love it! Thanks for the reply Margaret.

Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" is being released next week on Criterion. Bresson is a master.

I'd love to hear a recording of that jam with Henry, Fred Anderson and Hamid Drake that took place at the Velvet Lounge's fundraiser event. That was absolutely mind-melting.

There's a real nice one on the Johnny Hodges Small Group Mosaic.

Randy has a really beautiful sound. I've seen him only once, and what I remember most is how nice his tone was. Like a perfectly pitched bell.

He was the first one to say "beeyyyotch"

Nice. Any cats in Philly (or in driving distance of Philly) who have never seen Vonski before, I highly recommend you check this out! You'll be in for a treat.

Hey Shawn, If I were moving to Chicago and were looking for an apt. right now, I'd look south of the loop. It used to be a really bad area, but over the past few years they've been building units like crazy. Its a very up and coming type of neighborhood. The Velvet Lounge is near by, and you'd be a quick bus ride from work. You can always move just north of the Loop to the Gold Coast area (about a mile north of the Showcase). Its a bit more expensive, but worth it if you can swing it. Since you'll be living in an apt., it should be OK. Also, its pretty close to work. West of downtown in the Wicker Park/Bucktown areas are cool also. Really, if you want to remain close to the Loop, you can't go wrong. Pretty much all the areas around there are nice to live. The North Side is a nice place to live, but far from downtown. But the L and the bus routes make it pretty easy to get around. I'd just do an internet search, and if you find units that you like, myself and I'm sure the other board members from the area would be more than willing to help with more specific advice. Chicago is a big place. Good luck! Oh yeah, shoot me a PM if you are going to the showcase anytime soon. I probably won't be going until Roy Hargrove is in town.

Just picked this up based on the recommendations of this board. Can't wait to give it a spin tonight!

Thanks Chuck.

In the midst of all the hype surrounding the new Monk/Trane release, I thought it would be a perfect time to recognize the wonderful contributions of Shadow Wilson to the world of jazz. This guy is truly one of the under-recognized figures in jazz. He may not have been pyrotechnic like Elvin or Philly Joe, but when it came to pure, unadulterated swing, few could do it like he could. He has such a beautiful, steady pulse to his playing. His ride cymbal is just about perfect, and he always seems to hit the accent at the perfect time. He just creates such a really tight pocket that is so tasteful and never overwhelming in any way. It must have been a treat to be a soloist with him behind you. A musician's musician in every sense. Its great to hear him on the finest release of this year. His drums stand out even next to Trane's flights and Monk's playfulness. Beautifuly recorded as well. Here's to Shadow Wilson!

Anyone know where this can be purchased?